Merdeka Sukacipta great platform to showcase creative works - Amerrudin

KUALA LUMPUR - The two-day Merdeka Sukacipta programme organised by Balai Seni Negara starting today, in conjunction with Malaysia Day and the national month, is a great platform to showcase the works of creative groups nationwide.

Balai Seni Negara director-general Amerrudin Ahmad said the programme also supports efforts to cultivate the culture of creativity among Malaysians while sparking the spirit of patriotism.

"There are over 2,000 individuals registered in our database gathered through Jejak Seni Malaysia. Providing such a platform helps them showcase their unique works of art and also generate income,” he said after launching Merdeka Sukacipta, here today.

Amerrudin said various events have been lined up, including children’s drawing and colouring, creative costume and figure drawing contests.

He said there was great participation from artists, especially those with children, all of whom joined in the Malaysia Day and National Day celebrations as well.

Merdeka Sukacipta was made merrier with bazaar sales, health screening, car boot sales, rock climbing, Zumba and performances by buskers, with special performances by singers Amir Jahari, Leaism and Elmontaro tonight.

An estimated 5,000 people are expected to attend the event and, as of this afternoon, about 2,000 visitors have been recorded.

"I hope our society will be more exposed and encouraged to take an interest in such creative activities to produce the types of patriotic artwork we have seen today,” said Amerrudin.

A visitor, Norzila Aiman, said it was a family outing for her, mainly to enter her children into the available contests to educate them on patriotism.

"I brought my children to participate in the contests. Earlier, there was a quiz where they learned about the country and they also took part in a colouring contest,” said the mother of two. - BERNAMA